Kicker Connor Barth Is One of Bucs' Few Bright Spots

Tuesday

Oct 9, 2012 at 1:48 AM

The Bucs went through their bye week self-evaluating where they are as a team after four games. At 1-3, there are a lot of areas where they need to improve. The team's kicking game is not one of those areas.

By RICK BROWNTHE LEDGER

TAMPA | The Bucs went through their bye week self-evaluating where they are as a team after four games. At 1-3, there are a lot of areas where they need to improve.

The team's kicking game is not one of those areas.

Connor Barth could easily be the Bucs' MVP after the first quarter of the season, having made all nine of his field goals, including bombs from 50, 52 and a career-high 57 yards. In fact, Barth has connected on his last 25 field goals, which is not only a team record but the longest active streak in the NFL. He is the team's leading scorer with 34 points, nearly three times more than Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, who each have two touchdowns or 12 points.

"I've never been superstitious," Barth said of the streak. "You might think about it during the week, but when you go out there to line up, you don't think about making another one to extend the streak, you try to go out there — and like coach always says — do your job."

The fifth-year pro out of North Carolina he seems to be doing his job better as time goes on.

Signed as a free-agent in November 2009, Barth made his first game-winning field goal on Dec. 27, 2009, a 47-yarder in overtime against New Orleans.

In 2010, Barth made 82.1 percent of his field goal attempts and then upped that to a franchise record 92.9 percent (26 of 28) in 2011. His 88.2 percent rate from 40 yards or more that season tied for the league best.

The Bucs knew they had a weapon in Barth and put the franchise tag on him to ensure they wouldn't lose him before signing him to a four-year, $13.2 million deal.

With the contract, Barth didn't rest on his wads of dough; he took up yoga in the offseason to better his flexibility. So far, the team has no problems with him.

"I've never been around a guy like him," coach Greg Schiano said. "We're blessed as an organization to have him."

Barth gives credit to long-snapper Andrew Economos and holder Michael Koenen also for his success. Barth said Koenen is the only holder he's worked with for two straight years in the league and the chemistry is great.

"I've always said I don't have the strongest leg, but I've always prided myself on my leg swing and my consistency," Barth said. "From 50 to 55 and in, I usually feel confident I can make it every time. I guess my range is extending a little bit. It's just the confidence I have with my line blocking, and having Niko and Mike there, you feel calm back there."

The NFL record for consecutive field goals is 42, set by Indianapolis' Mike Vanderjagt from 2002 to 2004, something that isn't in the forefront of Barth's mind.

"No. That's a long way away," he said. "My goal is to take it one kick at a time. If I keep doing what I'm doing, you never know what might happen."

Schiano, who has tried to instill toughness in the team, said he knows his limitations and doesn't bother with Barth too often.

"I'm not an expert on kicking," Schiano said. "I know enough to be dangerous. But I know enough to stay away from him and let him do it the way he's doing it."

Barth said Schiano does enough to him during practice, always trying to rattle the guy.

"Coach Schiano puts us in situations in practice where he's talking to me all the time," Barth said. "He's in my ear, it makes games sometimes easier because nobody's there sitting and talking to me."

So when Schiano called on him to attempt the 57-yarder against Washington, Barth didn't even think twice. He went through his normal routine and let it fly. As soon as he hit it, it was true, headed straight down the center of the uprights with plenty of room to spare.

"It's nice to see coach has confidence in me," Barth said. "I think he'll send me out there from anywhere."

And Barth will be ready.

NOTE: Offensive lineman Jeremy Trueblood, who is being evaluated for a possible switch from right tackle to right guard, did not practice Monday because of a stomach virus.

[ Rick Brown may be reached at rick.brown@theledger.com. Follow his Bucs coverage at BucsScene.blogs.theledger.com and on Twitter: @LedgeronBucs. ]